A TREE planting project is underway in Wickford to help regenerate two cherry tree avenues.

Basildon Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Kevin Blake, was in Elder Avenue yesterday to help with the planting of the first 40 cherry trees.

A further 40 trees will be planted over the next two years Elder Avenue and Grange Avenue, resulting in 120 new trees by 2019.

The work involves replacing over-mature and deteriorating cherry trees in the avenues and planting new ones in parts where trees have previously been removed.

Councillor Blake said: “We take great pride in ensuring residential areas are clean, tidy and attractive and part of that work involves planting new trees and replacing the old and dying ones.

"This project will vastly improve the look of Elder and Grange Avenues and increase pride in the area for residents.”